Bobbi for your persistence in the fight for all of us in chronic pain. I too have written my congressman as this is Pain Awareness Month. We all need to get involved in this.

The DEA is collaborating with our legislators regarding the medications most of us need to lead a more comfortable life. Production of certain opiates has been decreased, therefore, making it more difficult for pharmacies to be stocked well with these medications. This is in an effort to limit what is available on the streets!?! It's making our lives more difficult.

Physicians are more wary now of providing us with pain control. I am going to see my PCP soon to discuss her reluctance to go along with pain control medications suggested by the specialists I see. A previous PCP had the audacity to sit there and argue with me regarding my need for pain medication. "If you got out there and walked for some exercise, lose some weight, that should help" How many of us have heard this?

Instead of spending time and money on restricting our access to these medications, educate our physicians more on pain management. BTW, this was part of the proclamation suggested by an expert panel and it was voted down.

Best to all,

Marianne

Very well said. If you don't mind I will send this to others.

Jim

Hello,

I'm glad you liked my note, and the word must be spread. We all suffer to much in SILENCE. Why? If we don't speak who will.

Jim YES, PLEASE!!!! And anyone else who would like to send this out to others. Go right ahead.

Marianne, I loved your comment, and your action. You go girl!!!

They ridicule us, or accuse us. I have been accused of being addicted. It hurts, so we remain silent rather than listen to that from those that are supposed to love us.

I do suffer in silence! Way too much! It's a learned behaviour.
Jim

About three months ago I went to my PM doctor and asked him about getting different meds. I have heard too many stories about oxy to want to even try something that powerful unless absolutely necessary, but I was hoping there was something if not stronger, different than what I was taking. He told me that in some cases, people with chronic pain who up their dosage only get improved relief for a short period of time, and then their pain catches up to them and now they are dealing with more side effects. I don't know how it all works, but I am glad I didn't change as I was able to get more sleep and have less pain later on. I can't imagine anyone wanting to up their meds for the fun of it, it is a hard decision to make. I couldn't see any of the drug users that I know going through all the appointments and safeguards/drug tests to get a proper prescription. In my humble opinion, most people outside of Florida (free for all) who are going to a pain management appointment are in extreme desperation. I have missed my meds date more than once. In fact, last time it was because they gave me nothing extra after the surgery, and I took two more a day for the 5 days immediately after. The few days I went without were torture. I hate my stupid pills, I would do anything not to have to take them. I would love to just have an addiction, that would only take a few months to get on top of, this isn't a choice. This is me coping. I bet most people are still miserable even after their morning cocktail kicks in. When are they going to splice a jellyfish and an amazonian frog and come up with something that feels just like ovaltine on a hot day? Why can't nerve damage just destroy all feeling, I would welcome numbness anytime over this misery.

Once again, instead of following the thought of the original thread, which I believe is very good, the last two posts were more grandstanding than keeping to the subject